Recommended Related to Digestive Disorders

Constipation, the most common digestive complaint in the U.S. population, can make life miserable. Not only does constipation make you feel bloated, headachy, and irritable, but relieving constipation -- especially long-term or chronic constipation -- is time consuming and expensive. Each year in the U.S., chronic constipation leads to around 2.5 million doctor visits -- and medication costs of many hundreds of millions of dollars.

When Is a Liver Transplant Needed?

A liver transplant is considered when the liver no longer functions adequately (liver failure). Liver failure can happen suddenly (acute liver failure) as a result of infection or complications from certain medications, for example. Liver failure can also be the end result of a long-term problem. The following conditions may result in chronic liver failure:

How Are Candidates for Liver Transplant Selected?

Specialists from a variety of fields are needed to determine if a liver transplant is appropriate. Many health care facilities assemble a team of such specialists to evaluate (review your medical history, do tests) and choose candidates for a liver transplant. The team may include the following professionals:

Liver specialist (hepatologist)

Transplant surgeons

Transplant coordinator, usually a registered nurse who specializes in the care of liver-transplant patients (this person will be your primary contact with the transplant team)

Social worker to discuss your support network of family and friends, employment history, and financial needs

Psychiatrist to help you deal with issues, such as anxiety and depression, which may accompany a liver transplant

Anesthesiologist to discuss potential anesthesia risks

Chemical dependency specialist to aid those with history of alcohol or drug abuse

Financial counselor to act as a liaison between a patient and his or her insurance companies